Winterblast Retreat Provides Freedom

During the weekend of March 11-13, 2016, six adults and 15 teens escaped to Camp Orchard Hill in Dallas, Pa., for their Winterblast Youth Retreat. Despite 18 South Youth Center’s new director, Max Halterman, dislocating his shoulder during a rousing game of GaGa, an amazing weekend was had by all and God moved in huge ways among our youth.

The topic of the weekend was based around Peter and how God was able to use him despite his mistakes and fears. One volunteer shared that during the first night of the trip, the boy’s cabin spent some time sharing their stories with one another. A sense of helplessness, despite the belief that hope existed, was felt throughout this time.

The following evening at the main speaking session, the teens had the opportunity to write down their past failures and leave them at the foot of the cross up on the stage. Later that night back in the cabin, the boys shared a powerful discussion with confessions of mistakes they had made in their lives.

“I told them that the cross represents a new beginning, and God’s plan for each of them hasn’t changed,” said Stan Yost, one of 18 South’s faithful mentors. “I remember there being tears and joy. It was the redemption from the night before. A lot of what was wrote on the papers left at the cross had to do with the night before.”

One teen in particular shared an incredibly heavy burden that he had been carrying for years.

“As the tears were rolling and he told us the story, I had a strong sense of the Holy Spirit and could see in his eyes a huge weight being lifted,” Max said. “Definitely an incredible moment.”

We are so grateful to God for everyone who supports 18 South and enables us to take youth on these incredibly meaningful trips! All attendees had a positive experience and we praise God for the ones who were able to experience freedom!

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18 South Youth Ministries

18 South Youth Ministries strives to create opportunities for caring, responsible adults with Christian values to build authentic relationships with youth. The nonprofit operates 18 South Youth Center in Red Lion, Pa., which has reached more than 1,000 teens since it opened in November 2007.